Discover how to replace the vacuum seal in the front-end interface of your SCIEX 7500+ system by following this step-by-step video guide. Proper vacuum sealing is essential for maintaining the correct base pressure in your mass spectrometer. After front-end cleaning, a leak near the orifice plate can prevent the system from reaching the required vacuum level. This guide walks you through identifying the issue and replacing the seal to restore optimal performance.
Symptoms
The mass spectrometer fails to reach the correct base pressure after front-end cleaning due to a potential vacuum leak near the orifice plate.
Possible causes
A vacuum leak near the orifice plate could be due to:
A compromised or improperly seated vacuum seal in the interface region
Debris or residue in the seal groove
Incorrect installation of a new seal
Major steps
These are the major steps involved in replacing the vacuum seal:
Preparation: Wear clean, powder-free gloves and appropriate PPE. Shut down the system per the operation manual.
Disassembly: Remove the ion source, curtain plate, and orifice plate. Optionally remove the DJet+ assembly for better access.
Seal removal: Twist and gently pull out the old seal, avoiding damage to surrounding components.
Cleaning: Use a foam swab with isopropanol to clean the groove thoroughly.
Seal installation: Pre-dampen the new seal with isopropanol; insert the seal starting from the upper-right section, ensuring correct orientation; apply isopropanol behind the seal and rotate it to seat properly. Ensure the seal is flush, concentric, and free of bulges.
Reassembly: Reinstall all removed components and restart the system.
Verification: Confirm that the vacuum reaches the correct base pressure.
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